updated 08:31 pm EDT, Thu June 6, 2013

Xbox One must connect to Internet daily for offline games to function

Microsoft has clarified its stance on a number of controversial features of the upcoming Xbox One. The company confirmed that the game console will need a connection to the Internet every 24 hours in order to play games, as well as advising on used game sales, game rentals, and the privacy concerns for the improved Kinect sensor.

For game licensing, Microsoft advises that players will be able to buy games through retailers on disc and through Xbox Live on the same day of release. Once installed to a system, up to ten other accounts can use the same shared games library on any other Xbox One. In terms of fees, Microsoft itself will not be charging anything for the process, but it will allow retailers and publishers the option to add one. While selling games to a store or renting will not be available at launch, it is allowing game license transfers between friends, though the two parties need to be friends on Xbox Live for 30 days or more for it to work.

The Xbox One will need to connect to the Internet once every 24 hours in order for games to function. "Offline gaming is not possible" after the 24 hours period has expired, and will not work again until it reconnects. Other functions, such as watching TV and disc-based movies, will work fine regardless.

Despite being central to the new user experience, Microsoft will still allow the Kinect to be paused or turned off. Conversations will not be recorded nor uploaded by the Xbox One, and it is stressed that the user will be able to dictate how data collected by the Kinect can be used by games and apps, and that the controller can still be used to access all the functions of the console.